Sophie Mitchell is a Design leader with a background in front-end development.
Her current role, as Head of Design at Dext, sees her leading a multidisciplinary team across UX, UI and Content. She plays a pivotal role in helping Dext deliver on its mission to simplify accounting for small and medium-sized businesses, freeing up time so they can focus on what matters most. Her leadership style is open and people-first – she creates the space for designers to thrive and encourages early exploration based on customer insight and tied to business value.
Beyond Dext, Sophie has led the London Chapter of Ladies that UX for nearly 12 years, building a thriving community for women in UX. She’s also a founding member of Flux, a network for female Design and Research leaders, and a mentor on ADPList. Across everything she does, Sophie is passionate about creating environments where people feel supported to do their best work and drive meaningful change.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I joined Dext just over four years ago as a Lead UX Designer, responsible for a team of five. As the business scaled and the Design Team evolved, I moved into a Design Manager role. I’ve always been intentional about my career growth, and when the opportunity to step into the Head of Design role came up, I set my intentions. It wasn’t a given – I communicated my ambitions, worked with my manager and the leadership team, and mapped out a structured development plan.
I was promoted to Head of Design 21 months ago, during a period of significant change in the senior leadership team. One of my first priorities was to rebuild trust and stability within the Design team. We focused on creating a psychologically safe environment, re-establishing our identity, and strengthening cross-functional relationships. This work led to a 80-point uplift in the team’s eNPS score in under 6 months, and laid the foundation for a healthier, more resilient team.
Today, I lead a multidisciplinary team across UX, UI and Content Design. I’ve shaped a team culture grounded in curiosity, collaboration and shared accountability, one where designers feel supported to explore, challenge, and deliver. Alongside this, I’m focused on strengthening Design’s strategic influence and visibility across the organisation, ensuring our work is deeply connected to both customer insight and business value. There’s always more to do, but we’re moving forward with clarity, momentum and a strong sense of purpose.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
One of the proudest moments in my career was making the decision to change paths entirely. I started out in a completely different (and non-digital) space, but made the move into Front-End Development, a bold step that ultimately led me to UX. It quickly became clear that UX was a much more natural fit for how I think, solve problems, and connect ideas. That shift shaped everything that followed, and I’ve never looked back.
I’m also incredibly proud of founding the London Chapter of Ladies that UX, which I’ve now been leading for almost 12 years. The idea was sparked after attending UX Camp Brighton when I left feeling energised by the community and wanted to bring that same spirit to London. I met up with Georgie (Bottomley, one of the founders) shortly after, and the first event took place in the back room of the Square Pig in Holborn. We had 50 attendees and 75 on the waiting list which was a clear sign that there was a real need for this kind of space.
Since then, the community has grown into something far bigger than I imagined. It’s connected me with some of the most talented and inspiring UXers in the industry, many of whom continue to shape my growth, thinking and leadership today. Creating a space where women in UX can connect, share and support one another has been one of the most meaningful and lasting parts of my journey.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
For the most part, I’ve found the tech industry, and particularly the UX community, to be incredibly supportive. It’s a space where people are often generous with their time, insight and encouragement. But in the early days of my career switch, there were moments where that support was missing. I clearly remember struggling with a particular project while working at an agency. Instead of being supported to learn, I was taken off the project and reassigned to more basic tasks. It felt like a step backwards and it’s something that’s stayed with me.
That experience shaped me. It’s one of the reasons I’m so committed to continuous growth and becoming the best version of myself. It also fuels my belief in creating the conditions for others to thrive, helping people grow on their own terms and supporting them to pursue the path that’s right for them.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen by accident. You have to take ownership of it, ask for feedback, stay curious, seek out opportunities, and when the path isn’t there, build one yourself.
Now, in a leadership role, I’m focused on creating the kind of environment I wish I’d had. One that embraces the messiness of learning, offers psychological safety, and supports people through the highs and lows of growth, with clarity, care and trust.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
It absolutely can be overwhelming, especially in a field like UX, where people come from such varied backgrounds. But that’s also what makes the industry so vibrant and exciting. I often talk about the idea of the Squiggly career, one that doesn’t follow a linear, upward path. It’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. Mine has certainly been squiggly!
If you’re just starting out, here are a few things that can really help:
- Get clear on what matters to you. Is it the type of role? The industry? Flexibility? Culture? Salary? Values? Write it down, it’ll help you focus your energy and make more informed choices.
- Build your network. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about understanding the different contexts UX work happens in. Talk to people, ask questions, learn from their journeys.
- Find a mentor. Free platforms such as ADPlist are a great place to start. A good mentor can offer support, perspective and help you see what’s possible.
- Go to events. There are so many brilliant free or low-cost events and meetups. They’re a great way to learn, meet people and feel connected.
- Getting involved behind the scenes at events is a brilliant way to meet peers, build confidence and feel part of the community.
Most importantly, don’t give up. The UX community is incredibly generous and supportive. Be brave, reach out, and remember, everyone started somewhere.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Be proactive and intentional. Set yourself some SMART goals to help you focus on what you want to learn or achieve. Break them down into manageable steps and track your progress along the way.
If you’re aiming for a promotion or a new role, don’t wait to be asked. Make your intentions clear, build a plan, and work towards it. Be brave, speak up, and advocate for yourself. No one will care more about your growth than you do, so own it. And most importantly, back yourself, you’ve got this.
